2: Ron Francis
Ron Francis took the place of Keith Primeau as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes following Primeau’s contract holdout. Francis had been a face of the Hartford Whalers through the 80’s and early 90’s. So his return to the organization was a welcomed one.
Finally winning 2 Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Francis brought some real veteran leadership and experience to the Hurricanes when he returned in 1998. And in 1999 he was able to take the reigns.
His leadership and understanding of what it takes to win in the NHL greatly benefited the Carolina Hurricanes. With a season that saw him win the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, the 2001-2002 Carolina Hurricanes made their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Where the ultimately lost to the Detroit Red Wings 4 games to 1.
In 2004 Francis was traded to Toronto. He officially announced his retirement in 2005. Francis was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. He also has a spot in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. His number 10 was retired by the Hurricanes in 2006. And was in the Pittsburgh Penguins ring of honor.
He was named general manager of the Hurricanes in 2014. He remained in that position until his contract was terminated by new owner Tom Dundon in 2018. He has since been named the first general manager of the NHL’s expansion team in Seattle.
Now, the greatest Carolina Hurricane of all time.